How Can I Manage Oral Thrush?

Do you take antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor?

Do you practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day?

Do you change your toothbrush often until the infection is gone?

Do you change your toothbrush each day during infection?

Do you brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush to avoid scraping the lesion in your mouth?

Do you know that you should not share toothbrushes?

Do you rinse your mouth with warm salt water (dissolve about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water)?

Do you avoid mouthwashes or sprays?

If you wear dentures, do you disinfect them properly?

Do you eat probiotic food?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage oral thrush. Oral thrush is usually successfully treated with antifungal medications. Depending on your age, overall health and the cause of the infection, your doctor may prescribe medications in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges, gels, or liquids. Antifungal liquids are used by pouring a little liquid into the mouth, swish it around to coat all the surfaces and then swallowing. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, but you should use a soft toothbrush to avoid scraping the lesions. Also, use a new toothbrush every day until the infection subsides.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage oral thrush. The goal of treatment is to stop the excessive growth of fungi. In addition to antifungal therapy, it is useful to rinse your mouth with warm salt water, after which you will spit into the sink (never swallow). You should avoid any kind of mouthwash or sprays. It is not a good idea to share toothbrushes. If you wear dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist about how to properly disinfect them to avoid re-infection. You can also eat probiotic food (unsweetened yogurt, cottage cheese) to restore healthy bacterial levels.